Pete Crow-Armstrong, or PCA as fans call him, has quickly made a name for himself with the Chicago Cubs. He’s not just talented—he brings a certain spark to the team.
This piece follows his journey from Harvard-Westlake in Southern California to a central role in MLB. There’s also his deep connection to Chicago baseball culture, and how his breakout year got people talking about what it means to be a fan—about cities, loyalty, and tradition.
PCA’s Rise: A Charismatic Contender in Chicago
PCA grew up in Southern California and went to Harvard-Westlake. Family played a huge role in shaping his path, and you can see that in how he talks about his allegiance to the Cubs—almost like it’s part of his DNA.
He made some public comments about Cubs vs Dodgers fans, and that set off a debate that spilled out past the ballpark. Suddenly, people were talking about how fans shape a player’s image and a franchise’s story.
The Los Angeles Times responded to PCA’s take on Dodgers fans, pointing out their steady attendance even before the team’s recent wins. But PCA’s words had already opened up a bigger conversation about how players and cities build their own cultures around baseball.
Family Roots, Loyalty, and the Cubs Connection
Family influence really steered his loyalties. PCA’s dad, Matthew John Armstrong, grew up in Naperville, just outside Chicago. He made it pretty clear—no cheering for the Dodgers or Cardinals in their house. Cubs only.
That push helped PCA find his place in Chicago’s sports world. The two of them watched the 2016 Cubs World Series win together—Game 7, unforgettable. That memory still means a lot to him and shapes how he feels about Chicago baseball.
His tie to the Cubs isn’t just sentimental; it’s become a guide for how he approaches the game. It’s shaped his role in the clubhouse and how he connects with the community.
Breakthrough Season: PCA’s 2025 Milestones
In 2025, PCA pulled off something rare. He hit 25 home runs, stole 25 bases, and racked up 70 RBIs by midseason. Not many players can say that.
By year’s end, he finished with 31 homers, 35 steals, and a .247 average. He became one of the game’s most exciting center fielders and the Cubs’ clear anchor in the lineup.
He did have a bit of a slump in the second half. But even then, his power, speed, and knack for getting on base kept the Cubs in the hunt and changed how people think about the center field position.
He also shined at Dodger Stadium, hitting .333 with a homer and five RBIs in six games. Honestly, it’s impressive how his game translates no matter where he plays or who’s pitching.
On-Field Identity: Power, Speed, and Baseball IQ
Teammate Nico Hoerner has talked about how much PCA respects baseball’s history. PCA really feels at home at Wrigley Field and loves the city’s traditions.
That mix—respect for the past and fierce drive on the field—makes him a favorite among Cubs fans and earns him respect all over MLB.
Fan Culture, Attendance, and the Cubs-Dodgers Debate
PCA’s comments about Cubs versus Dodgers fans caught national attention. He called Cubs supporters attentive and caring, but claimed Dodgers fans mostly come for photos, not the game itself.
The Los Angeles Times fired back, pointing out the Dodgers’ huge attendance numbers. They’ve pulled in over 3.7 million fans regularly, even hitting a record four million in 2025, long before this latest championship run.
This whole episode cranked up the debate about what fans actually bring to the ballpark. Players notice those rituals, and you wonder how much it shapes them—or maybe even the team’s identity.
There’s something about a franchise’s roots—its city, its history, its people—that colors a player’s story as much as anything they do on the field.
- Season milestones: PCA’s 25-25-70 breakout by midseason, then finishing with 31-35-.247.
- Trade and ascent: Drafted 19th overall by the Mets in 2020; traded to the Cubs in 2021 for Javier Báez, Trevor Williams, and cash.
- Road to culture: His strong showings at Wrigley and Dodger Stadium have made him a Cubs icon and a modern center fielder.
- Family legacy: Growing up in Chicago ties him even closer to Cubs traditions and the city’s baseball history.
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong disses Dodgers fans with a curious comment
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